Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding in-depth stories shines. These pieces probe intricate topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a key question: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape prison was to join the regime military. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent intense controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is this person really a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, families rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical end – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the highest echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a key force on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise nature of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the possibility that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might possess the key to who wins the global technological rivalry.
The finest stories
